The City of Davenport says it is looking for more homeowners and owners of rental units to take advantage of federal funds that are available for lead removal. Lead contamination has been shown to cause significant negative health impacts on young children.

The City received a $2,273,039 federal grant in 2007 to remove lead contamination in homes and apartments built prior to 1978. Qualifying units must be inhabited by low or moderate income families with children under the age of six either living or regularly visiting the property. Units also qualify where an expectant mother resides in the household. 

As much as $10,000 can be used per home to eliminate lead hazards such as interior and exterior paint, windows, and doors. As part of the application, a lead assessment will be performed at no charge to you if your household meets the other eligibility requirements.

To date, 89 homes throughout the city have been fixed using the grant money. An additional 34 are currently being repaired and funds are available for up to 200 households.

 Homeowners, landlords and tenants in Davenport are encouraged to apply for the grant to see if you meet the program requirements.  The program expires in October of 2010.

For more information about the Lead Hazard Control grant, contact Tom Weber, Neighborhood Development Coordinator for the City of Davenport, 563-326-7748 or tweber@ci.davenport.ia.us.